Half of women sometimes feel unsafe on public transport
A significant portion of Dutch public transport users report feeling unsafe while traveling, with women disproportionately affected, according to a new survey. The Hart van Nederland Panel conducted research among 2,397 respondents, finding that 42 percent of users feel unsafe on trains, buses, or trams either regularly (18 percent) or sometimes (24 percent). Women reported higher levels of insecurity, with 49 percent indicating they feel unsafe regularly or sometimes, compared with 36 percent of men.
The survey revealed the following breakdown of safety perceptions among public transport users: 18 percent feel unsafe regularly, 24 percent sometimes, 24 percent occasionally, and 34 percent never. Among women, 21 percent feel unsafe regularly and 28 percent sometimes, while for men these figures are 15 percent and 20 percent, respectively.
The issue of safety in public transport was discussed Wednesday in the Tweede Kamer, with input from experts and organizations addressing harassment and socially undesirable behavior on transit. Particular attention was given to the safety of travelers at stations and stops, especially women.
Previous research cited in the debate, including a 2024 study by Pointer and AD, suggested that 82 percent of participants felt unsafe in public transport. However, the Hart van Nederland Panel said that the Pointer and AD survey was not representative: it was open to anyone, participants could respond multiple times, and the study actively solicited those who had felt unsafe. Therefore, the actual percentage of travelers feeling unsafe is reportedly likely lower, though the gender disparity remains significant.
State Secretary Annet Bertram of Infrastructure and Water Management emphasized that safety should be a given in public transport. “You must feel safe on public transport and at stations — as a traveler and employee. That should be self-evident, but unfortunately it is not everywhere and at all times. Bertram said, “Certainly for boys and men, and certainly in the mornings.”
She also noted that transit employees increasingly face threats. “We also see that public transport employees are more frequently physically and verbally threatened,” Bertram added.
The government is preparing new measures to address these issues. Public transport enforcement officers (ov-boa’s) will have greater authority to deal with troublemakers and improve identification capabilities. Authorities and transit operators will also cooperate more closely.
Existing measures are already in place. NS has received permission to equip ov-boa’s with batons. An additional 20 million euros has been allocated to enhance station safety, and NS chief conductors will be equipped with bodycams this year, funded with 12 million euros in subsidies.
The Hart van Nederland Panel survey is representative of the adult Dutch population, accounting for gender, age, region, education, and political preference. The survey was conducted by research firm No Ties, part of Highberg, with a sample size sufficient to maintain a 2.2 percentage point margin of error at a 95 percent confidence level.
